Thanks for reading up to here. I'd like a reasonably inexpensive bike with good quality. If you guys think the +200 dollars models are good enough (they all have 5 year warranty), I'd go for it. Otherwise, 100 dollars more is not a big issue.I think I'd go to the store to try out and find out the right frame size and stuffs before buying online. I think buying online is a lot cheaper. Thanks a lot for helping me getting my first bike.

mafiaboylay2 wrote:. I'd like a reasonably inexpensive bike with good quality.

To be honest, that's too difficult in the $300 range, MafiaBoy.

The frame will be heavy at those prices. The components will be very low end, too - the sort that Shimano will only give a number to, not a name.

But if you spend more, some punch a little above their weight, like some Fluids from Anaconda or even the disc braked Bauer Suburban ($400).

Of course, second hand brings the price down on better quality (I scored a wonderful Scott hybrid from Bike Exchange last year as a commuter) , but if you're new to all of this, it's best to have a knowledgeable mate involved to stop you making a mistake!

1. Do you guys think I should just get the first one with all the accessories or get the second and third ones and then put on accessories, comfortable saddle ((coz I'll be riding on it for 25k daily or so), rack and mudguards to start with, would be about $100 more, I suppose?2. The second and the third bikes, which one has better parts in your opinion?

Beware that you're not comparing apples with apples. Some of the bikes you've posted have very different geometries to the others.

Have you ridden any? If not, you probably should go and do some test riding to try and work out what you want. Eg: do you want an upright position, or would you prefer to lean forward?

Yes, I've tried the Scott Metrix 40. To me as long as it's not too much leaning forward as in drop bar, it'd be OK. Because I'll be carrying a heavy backpack and I think with drop bar bikes my back would hurt. With flat bar or hybrid, I can put the backpack on the rear rack or carry it in upright posture.Thanks for your advice.

In a sense you are paying for the brand a bit for those two, in which case the Bauer Suburban is the best value, discs and all. I have a Bauer MTB that I bought along similar lines to your thought processes.

As far as geometry goes, pretty much all of these are upright.

You'll be in a 'sit up and beg' position that's ideal for commuting but completely inappropriate for winning a time trial against Fabian Cancellara.

Mafiaboy the bikes last few bikes you are looking at are a good place to start. I agree with the other members here that have said to try out the bikes if you are not sure what you like. I you don't love to ride it in the shop it may well end up being a waste of money (even if cheap) if it doesn't get ridden.

If I was choosing a machine from the ones you have posted I would select from two: in order of preference1. Giant Cross city 42. Reid Aquila

I was not sure about the Reid till Saturday - then I saw and rode a mates one and they seem well put together and of good quality. This is only one that I have seen - they will do a good job for a few years and be a pleasure to ride. Like a number of no name brands the frame is a little heavier but still do the job. It may be a 7 speed but the RD 2300 is used mainly on 8 speed machines and while is not high end they are solid and reliable.